Kamakura: 10 Best Things to Do

Japan’s capital city in the medieval age, Kamakura is a historical town in Kanagawa prefecture which is known as “the Kyoto of Kanto region”. It’s a very popular tourist destination for both Japanese and foreigners. Kamakura attracts us with over 100 temples and shrines, the Great Buddha, and other historical monuments. Take one day off from Tokyo and visit this historical and charming town!

– How to get to Kamakura??

If you are planning a short getaway from Tokyo, Kamakura is in a perfect location. It can be reached within an hour from Tokyo by train.

JR Yokosuka line– from Tokyo (920 yen)/Shinagawa (720 yen) station (If you are taking JR Tokaido line or JR Keihin Tohoku line, change to Yokosuka line at Ofuna station. It’s only two stops to Kamakura station after Kita-Kamakura station)

JR Shonan Shinjuku line– from Shinjuku (920 yen)/Shibuya (920 yen)/Ebisu (800 yen)

Odakyu line– from Shinjuku. If you purchase “Odakyu Kamakura-Enoshima free pass” (1470 yen), it’s a great option to travel around Kamakura town since each temples and tourist attractions are pretty far to each others to walk if you wish to see many of them. This pass offers rides of small retro train around the town and to Enoshima island which is a pretty and touristy small island nearby Kamakura.

The tourist information is located at East exit of JR, the building on the right-hand side. English guides are available,too! Cycling around the town would be a great option,too! Several rental bicycle shops are in Kamakura town but the nearest one is right next to the station. When you get out from the east gate, keep walking to the right.

Kamakura is one of Japan’s ancient capitals along with Kyoto and Nara, and is a must-visit destination for every traveller. Take a walking tour to learn about its rich history and appreciate its natural beauty. The “Kamakura Historical Hiking Tour with the Great Buddha” is a small group tour with a local guide, that takes you on a journey through Kamakura’s historic sites including shrines and temples as well as the beautiful nature, captivating scenery and a local cuisine spot. Check the following link to find more details about the tour!

▶️Book the Kamakura Historical Hiking Tour with the Great Buddha!

– Best Things to Do in Kamakura

1. The Great Buddha

The famous symbol of Kamakura, and considerably the most popular tourist attraction in town, the Great Buddha is situated at Kotoku-in Temple (高徳院). The 11.4m tall statue was originally built in 1252, and it’s the second tallest Buddha statue in Japan after the one in Todaiji Temple in Nara. You can actually enter inside the Buddha’s body, too!

Map: https://goo.gl/KFrtsY

Hours 8:00 to 17:30 (until 17:00 from October to March)

Fee: 300 yen

2. Hasedera Temple

Hasedera Temple (長谷寺) is a large Buddhist temple complex in Kamakura City. The temple is built on a hill where you can gaze at the stunning view of Kamakura City and Sagami Bay. It’s one of the most popular places to visit in town, yet the busiest time is during the rainy season in June and July when the hydrangea flower blooms in full. The Ajisai Matsuri (Hydrangea Festival) is held at the temple during the season. The temple also has a beautiful garden with a pond.

Map: https://goo.gl/nuVjA8

Hours 8:00~17:30 (until 17:00 from October to February)

Fee: 400 yen

3. Meigetsuin Temple

The temple with an elegant round window and a beautiful inner garden. Meigetsuin (明月院) is also known as “Hydrangea Temple (Ajisai Dera)” as it displays the stunning hydrangea flowers during the season, and attracts a large number of visitors. The temple is located in Kita Kamakura area.

Map: https://goo.gl/7TK5GL

Hours 9:00~16:00 (8:30 to 17:00 in June)

Fee: 300 yen (500 yen in June)

4. Engakuji Temple

Engakuji Temple (円覚寺) is one of most important temples in eastern Japan, and the number two of Kamakura’s five great Zen temples. It’s located in Kita Kamakura area, and it’s especially a popular site for autumn leaves viewing.

Map: https://goo.gl/2imMZr

Hours:8:00～16:30 (till 16:00 from Dec to Feb)

Admission: 500 yen

5. Hokokuji Temple

Hokokuji Temple (報国寺) is a small Zen temple known for its bamboo grove formed with about 2,000 bamboo trees. Visitors can have a pleasant walk through the green bamboo forest. There is also a small Japanese-style cafe inside the garden where you can enjoy matcha green tea and the view of the bamboo grove. How delightful.

Map: https://goo.gl/JAViU6

Hours 9:00 ~16:00

Fee: 400 yen (additional 600 yen for matcha tea service)

6. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

The most popular shrine in Kamakura, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu (鶴岡八幡宮) can be accessed easily from JR Kamakura station through the Komachi Dori shopping street. The shrine is fully crowded on 1st-3rd January when people go there for Hatsumoude (New Year’s first visit).The shrines complex is famous for the magnificent red torii gate on front and the main hall after climbing on stairs.

Map: https://goo.gl/s2aoYe

Hours 5:00 to 21:00 (Open 24 hours from January 1 to 3)

Fee: Free

More info: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine: Popular Spiritual Shrine in Kamakura

7. Zeniarai Benten Shrine

Zeniarai Benten Shrine (銭洗弁天) is a unique shrine in Kamakura which is believed to make worshippers rich when they wash their money with the spring water of the shrine. Zeniarai Benten Shrine is located between Kamakura and Kita Kamakura Station, and there is no public transportation available, and takes around 20–30 mins walk from each station.

Map: https://goo.gl/9Fn1Et

Hours: 8:00~16:30

Fee: Free

More info: Zeniarai Benten: Kamakura’s Most Unique Shrine

8. Komachi Street

Komachi Street (Komachi Dori) is a shopping street located near Kamakura Station and stretches towards Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. There are hundreds of shops, cafes and restaurants lined along the street. It’s the best places to eat out and shop souvenirs. A lot of shops offer handy street snacks which you can enjoy while strolling down the street.

Map: https://goo.gl/KFhM34

More info about Kamakura souvenirs:

9. Yuigahama Beach

Yuigahama Beach (由比ヶ浜) is a 3.2 km long beach located at the southcoast in Kamakura City. It can be accessed from Kamakura station by 20 mins walk. During summer, beach is extremely crowded by beach bums and lined with beach houses serving chilled drinks and food.

Map: https://goo.gl/RMSn09

10. Enoshima

If you have time to extend your trip to a bit farther from Kamakura, visiting the coastline of the Shonan area is highly recommended, especially Enoshima Island (江の島). The small island offers several attractions such as beautiful shrines, an observatory, shops, and restaurants. There is a big aquarium (Enoshima Aquarium) near the island, too. Enoshima can be accessed by the local train from Kamakura, which takes around 20 minutes.

Map: https://goo.gl/XBC4bU

More info about Enoshima:

If you are wondering what to do in Kanagawa, check this article below!
▶︎Top Things to Do in Kanagawa

Are you also looking for the things to do in the areas near Yokohama?
▶︎Best Things to Do in Hakone

Did you enjoy the list of best things to do in Kamakura?? Beach, autumn leaves, cherry blossoms viewing, etc.. Kamakura also offers amazing seasonal activities along with the beautiful historical sites! It’s recommended to visit all year around 🙂 For more information about Kamakura area, please check out these articles, too!

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